The Pitimini Rose

"A Color in the House."
Photo by Kyla Dominguez

Common Name: Pitimini Rose

Scientific name: Rosa chinensis minima

Photo taken at Olongapo City in September, 2016

     This rose will easily bring a little color and life into your home.

About Pitimini Rose

     These flowers are miniature roses. Miniature roses gradually grow large and out of bounds. Overgrown plants are usually sheared to about one-half their height and width. Faded flowers and declining limbs also are removed as needed.

      Miniature roses can be grown in containers or as bedding plants to create spots of color in home and commercial landscapes. Because of the care needed, it's often best to plant in groups of several miniature roses. New hybrids have produced plants of many colors, flower forms and growth habits including the variety Jolly Cupido with red and white blossoms (above).

Sources:

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2000-11-18/news/0011170101_1_miniature-roses-bedding-plants-plants-from-cuttings

Photo and Description by Kyla Dominguez

The Turkey Tail

Common Name: Turkey Tail

"Pretty sure these are pancakes..."
Photo by Lia Malazarte

Scientific Name: Trametes versicolor

Photo taken at Nayong Pilipino, Clark, Pampanga in August 2016

Life and success can happen anywhere, where people tries to strive hard to succeed in whatever situation, just like these mushrooms which find their place to grow, to bloom then multiply anywhere.

About Turkey Tails

Trametes versicolor – also known as Coriolus versicolor and Polyporus versicolor – is a common polypore mushroom found throughout the world. Meaning 'of several colors', versicolor reliably describes this mushroom found in different colors.

Source:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trametes_versicolor

Photo and description by Lia Malazarte

The Don Manuel

"They look like plastic, don't they?"
Photo by Kyla Dominguez

Common Name: Don Manuel

Scientific name: Hamelia patens

Photo taken at Olongapo City in September 2016

     This plant is usually used as a herbal drug. 

About Don Manuels

     In Belize, the plant is used for all types of skin problems including sores, wounds, burns, itching, insect stings and bites. A decoction of leaves is prepared by boiling two handfuls of leaves, stems and flowers in 2 gallons of water for 10 minutes, and applied, after cooling, to the affected areas. 
     In Panama, the Choco Indians drink a leaf infusion for fevers and bloody diarrhea. 
     The northwest Amazaon Ingano Indians use the leaf infusion for intestinal parasites. The Peruvian Amazon use the leaves for dysentery, fevers, rheumatism, and scurvy. Warmed poultice of leaves are used for bruises, strains and sprains. 
      In Brazil, the root is used as a diuretic, the leaves for scabies and headaches. 
      In Latin America, the plant is used for skin conditions, diarrhea, partum pain, menstrual disorders.      In Cuba, the leaves are used for headaches and sores; a decoction drank for rheumatism. 

Sources:

http://www.stuartxchange.org/DonManuel.html

Photo and description by Kyla Dominguez

Ramon's Dog :3

"Your annoying neighbor, drunk brother, and absolute best friend: the Shih Tzu"
Photo taken by Ramon Enriquez
Photo taken at Dagupan City, Pangasinan in September 2016

 

About my dog :3

     This is a scrawny little Shih Tzu (Canis Iupus familiaris) dog, a breed of the scientifically known Canis familiaris. He is generally small in size and light in weight, making him easy to carry around and play with. He has black, huge eyes to stare at you with; a small, dotty black nose to smell you and annoy you with; pink, slimy lips to kiss your ear with; and a smell to knock you out. His fur is generally shades of black, brown, and white.

     According to his birth certificate, he is of royal breed, but I highly doubt that for he is as crazy as I am. He is not royal at all, always barking at strangers, other dogs, and at God knows who. He always tries to act all defensive.

     This type of species isn’t exactly the best choice for fighting however, but the best choice for finding a lovable dog.

     Because aside from its general cuteness, this type of dog easily succumbs to anyone. He may bark at everyone, but he will easily succumb to those said people. Give him a few belly rubs, then he’ll be jumping onto you to attack you with kisses whenever he gets the chance. He won’t stop attempting to follow you around, see what you’re eating, watch what you’re watching, and see what you’re doing.

These breed was actually meant to love. It obviously has no capability of being a fighter. It needs a lot of grooming and caring, so in a way, the Shih Tzu is like a son or a daughter. They may not always protect you and all, but they love you and you love them back. And just like dogs, you love each other.

     So if you’re looking for a dog just to fall in love with, the Shih Tzu’s your best bet. He’ll be your best friend, alarm clock, annoying kid, wingman, and overall, your own little thing to love.

Photo and description by Ramon Enriquez

Pawikan

"Hello World!"
Photo by Genellie Erap

Common Name: Olive Ridley Turtle (locally known as Pawikan)

Scientific Name: Lepidochelys olivacea

Photo taken at Morong Beach, Bataan in January 2014

"Off the beach and into the sea..."
Photo by Genellie Erap

The students of The Learning Tree were able to witness some new Olive Ridley Hatchlings leave the beach and start their adventure in the sea.

About Olive Ridley Turtles

     The Olive Ridley turtle is named for the generally greenish color of its skin and shell, or carapace. It is closely related to the Kemp’s ridley, with the primary distinction being that Olive Ridleys are found only in warmer waters, including the southern Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.

     The Olive Ridley is mostly carnivorous, feeding on such creatures as jellyfish, snails, crabs, and shrimp. They will occasionally eat algae and seaweed as well. Hatchlings, most of which perish before reaching the ocean, are preyed on by crabs, raccoons, pigs, snakes, and birds, among others. Adults are often taken by sharks.

     Though the Olive Ridley is widely considered the most abundant of the marine turtles, by all estimates, it is in trouble. Rough estimates put the worldwide population of nesting females at about 800,000, but its numbers, particularly in the western Atlantic, have declined precipitously. The United States lists the western Atlantic population of Olive Ridleys as endangered and all other populations as threatened.

     Many governments have protections for Olive Ridleys, but still, eggs are taken and nesting females are slaughtered for their meat and skin. Fishing nets also take a large toll, frequently snagging and drowning these turtles.

Sources:

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/olive-ridley-sea-turtle/

Photos and description by Genellie Erap

The Clover Looper Moth

"This is not what it seems like"
Photo by Camille Gando

Common Name: Clover Looper Moth

Scientific Name: Caenurgina crassiuscula 

Photo taken at Redwood villas, Clark, Pampanga in September 2016

     Not so long ago, a Clover Looper Moth was attracted to this White Orchid and clinged to it. Little did it know that this Orchid is not a real one. Fooled by its beauty, the moth was trapped inside the house and had nowhere to go. Slowly and peacefully, its death is like a work of art bringing the artificial orchid to life.

About Clover Looper Moths

     A medium-size (3-3.2 cm wingspan) brownish grey (male) or brown (female) moth active both during the day and night. The forewing of the male is crossed by two the antemedian one running obliquely to the lower wing margin and touching or almost touching the vertical postmedian band near the lower margin. Crassiuscula is smaller (particularly the small spring brood specimens formerly treated as sp. distincta) and less "crisply" marked than the similar C. erechtea. The female is brown, is a bit larger and has more diffuse marking than does the male.  Some larger male specimens may be very difficult to separate from C. erechtea, but these can be identified by checking the genitalia, which differ greatly in the two species.

Sources:

http://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/52900-Caenurgina-crassiuscula

Photo and description by Camille Gando

The Wandering Glider

"A little fly goes a long way"
Photo by Camille Gando

Common Name: Wandering Glider

Scientific Name: Pantala flavescens

Photo taken at Redwood villas, Clark, Pampanga in September 2016

This little guy was found wandering the garden...

About Wandering Gliders

     This little dragonfly named the “Wandring Glider or Globe Skimmer” has its name right. It is a circumtropical species from all continents crossed by the equator and has a very wide distribution area. It is an obligate migrant of which the migrations are linked to the monsoon front. Its speed is up to 5m/s. It is the highest flying, most widespread and cosmopolitan dragonfly.

Source:
http://www.odonatacentral.org/index.php/FieldGuideAction.get/id/47465

Photo and description by Camille Gando

The Japanese Spider Crab

“I don’t think I’ll be swimming in Japanese waters anytime soon”
Photo by Emilio Abaya

Common Name: Japanese Spider Crab

Scientific Name: Macrocheira kaempferi

Picture taken at Osaka, Japan in May 2016

This crab is scavenging the ocean(aquarium) floor for any dead fishes

About Japanese Spider Crabs

     The Japanese spider crab is a large catch for any fisherman. With a leg span of 13 feet (4 meters) and an average weight of around 40 pounds (16-20 kg), it claims the title of largest crab. It may also have the longest lifespan of any crab, living to be 100 years old. However, Japanese spider crabs do not survive very long without injury. Their long legs are weak, and a study found that three-quarters of surveyed crabs were missing at least one limb. To protect themselves from predation, the smaller and younger crabs can decorate their shells with objects such as kelp.

Sources:

http://ocean.si.edu/ocean-photos/japanese-spider-crab 

Photo and description by Emilio Abaya

The Fire Ant

"A Closer Look"
Photo by Genellie Erap

Common Name: Fire Ant

Genus: Solenopsis

"A Closer Look" was taken at the Mind Museum in Taguig, Metro Manila in March 2014

"Pahintay, bes" was taken in Pinatubo's Classroom in the Academic Building II of Philippine Science High School-Central Luzon Campus, Clark, Pampanga in September 2016

"Pahintay, bes..."
Photo by Ne Pueblos

These ants may be small...But they're more complex than you think.

About Fire Ants

     Fire ant is the common name for several species of ants in the genus Solenopsis. They are, however, only a minority in the genus, which includes over 200 species of Solenopsis worldwide. Solenopsis are stinging ants and most of their common names reflect this, for example, ginger ants and tropical fire ants. Many species also are called red ants because of their light brown color, though species of ants in many other genera are similarly named for similar reasons. Examples include Myrmica rubra andPogonomyrmex barbatus.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_ant

Photos by Genellie Erap and Ne Pueblos

Description by Ne Pueblos

The Long-tailed Macaque

"Once free in the wild of Subic,
Bogart is now stuck in a cage"
Photo by Jim Valentin

Common Name: Long-tailed Macaque/Crab-eating Macaque

Scientific Name: Macaca fascicularis philippensis

Order: Primates

Family: Cercopithecidae

"Meat, HOOMAN, Meat!"
Photo by Jim Valentin

Genus: Macaca

Picture taken at Calumpit, Bulacan in October 2016

Bogart is from Subic, Zambales. There, monkeys in groups can be seen at the sides of the roads where tourists frequently feed them.

Now, he is being kept as a pet by my relatives. At first, he doesn't want to move and stays in one, boring pose so I gave him food. He then happily allows me to take pictures of him.

About Long-tailed Macaques:

The Long-tailed Macaces are known for their extraordinarily long tail that is always longer than their height. They inhabit the South East Asia region.

Living in coastal areas, mangroves, and forests, preferring forested areas near water, their diet consists of crabs, fruits, insects, and other edible plant parts. These primates are primary arboreal and can leap up to 5 meters between trees. They also have an excellent swimming capability that can be used as an escape mechanism.

Sources:

http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/factsheets/entry/long-tailed_macaque

Photos and description by Jim Valentin

Bougainvilleas

"A few hues in the midst of gray"
Photo by Florence Lazarte

Common Name: Bougainvillea 

Order: Caryophyllales

Family: Nyctaginaceae

Genus: Bougainvillea 

Picture taken at Santa Rosa, Laguna in October 2016

We see life the same as this picture, almost everything is gray or black, but sometimes there are a few hues that gives us meaning or answer to questions or problems we face everyday.

About Bougainvilleas

        The Bougainvillea is an immensely showy, floriferous and hardy plant. Virtually pest-free and disease resistant, it rewards its owner with an abundance of color and vitality when it is well looked after. The bougainvillea’s versatility is legendary. It can be coaxed into a small manageable pot plant or a sizeable tree, to spread itself vertically on a wall, or climb up a trellis and form a luscious crown or burst forth into graceful arches. It makes one of the best hedges, bushes, and curb-liners. And as for bonsai or topiary purposes, it has few equals, lending its complex branching to the pruning shears, which promote even more unique and graceful forms. It is probably true to say that without the bougainvillea, our roads, parks, and private gardens would be a lot less colorful that what we see today. Almost everywhere we go, its brilliant hues and cheerful bursts punctuate the lush green mantle that cloaks our tropical environment. Other flowering plants certainly pale in comparison. 

Sources:

https://www.bgi-usa.com/bougainvillea-101/

Photo and description by Florence Lazarte

The Tabby Cat

"What is that Human up to?"
Photo by Genellie Erap

Common Name: Cat/Tabby Cat

Scientific Name: Felis catus

Photo taken at Quezon City, NCR in March 2014

"Get my good side, Human..."
Photo by Genellie Erap

     This is Ming ming. He is a 'pusakal' (pusang-kalye) who was born in our house. He goes out at night doing who knows what and does basic pest control in our house. Sometimes, he would pick fights with other cats who enter our house (but he usually gets beaten and runs up to the second floor xD). He also likes to tease our dogs by walking very slowly when he passes by their cage... Yeah, he's mean...

His current whereabouts are unknown...He has not returned for a long time... I believe that he now rests in peace...

About Tabby Cats

     A tabby is any domestic cat that has a coat featuring distinctive stripes, dots, lines or swirling patterns, usually together with a mark resembling an 'M' on its forehead. Tabbies are sometimes erroneously assumed to be a cat breed. In fact, the tabby pattern is found in many breeds, as well as among the general mixed-breed population. The tabby pattern is a naturally occurring feature that may be related to the coloration of the domestic cat's direct ancestor, the African wildcat, which (along with the European wildcat and Asiatic wildcat) has a similar coloration.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabby_cat

Photo and description by Genellie Erap

The Panda

“When I’m not busy being the Dragon Warrior, I spend all of my time relaxing, eating, and sleeping. Bamboo and chill?”
Phot by Vincenzo Cortez

Common name: Giant Panda

Scientific name: Ailuropoda melanoleuca

Picture taken in Ueno Zoo, Tokyo, Japan in July 2016.

This panda seems to be indulged in its meal and enjoying life. 

About Giant Pandas

     In its free time, the Panda simply sits, sleeps, and eats stems, leaves, and shoots of bamboo. It follows this daily routine religiously, but its irresistible cuteness, gentleness, and charm make it nevertheless very loveable. When you see clothes, hats, and apparel with a panda design, worry not, for these are only prints and not actual pandas that have been hunted.

     Many pandas are now in zoos, so that they will be taken care of properly, as to avoid extinction. In the bamboo forests of China, though, Pandas help by spreading seeds and helping vegetation grow. This affects a broader part of the ecosystem and helps save other endangered animals in the same environment. And although the Giant Panda was once an endangered species, the world’s efforts to preserve them proved to be effective.

Sources: 

http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered_species/giant_panda/panda/why_we_save_the_giant_panda/

Photo and description by Vincenzo Cortez

Dahlias

"#aesthetic"
Photo by Rain Guevarra

Common Name: Dahlia

Family: Asteraceae

Genus: Dahlia

Picture taken at San Fernando, Pampanga in July 2016

These Dahlias look like pompoms... Don't you agree?

About Dahlias

     Dahlias are perennial plants, with mostly tuberous roots. While some have herbaceous stems, others have stems which lignify in the absence of secondary tissue and resprout following winter dormancy, allowing further seasons of growth. As a member of the Asteraceae the flower head is actually a composite (hence the older name Compositae) with both central disc florets and surrounding ray florets. Each floret is a flower in its own right, but is often incorrectly described as a petal, particularly by horticulturists. The modern name Asteraceae refers to the appearance of a star with surrounding rays.

Sources:

https://m.facebook.com/Earthlaugh/photos/pb.1399980073644765.-2207520000.1474777771./1585641361745301

Photo and description by Rain Guevarra

The Pumpkin Beetle

"Talk to le BUTT!"
Photo by Emilio Capule

Common Name: Pumpkin Beetle

Scientific Name: Aulacophora foveicollis

Picture taken at Dasmarinas, Cavite in October 2016

This pumpkin beetle is found landing on a marble table in a backyard garden.

About Pumpkin Beetles

     These beetles are most known for their extensive diet on fresh garden and farm produce. Although these grubs are known to be root feeders, they are capable of eating the leaves, flowers and fruits of plants. Pumpkin beetles are also known to be more active during the late day than the early morning. They are also known in other parts of the world as the Cucumber beetle.

Sources:

http://www.pestnet.org/SummariesofMessages/Pests/PestsEntities/Insects/Beetles/Aulacophora/Aulacophorasp,PNG.aspx

Photo and description by Emilio Capule

The Rabbit

"One day...I will get out..."
Photo by Briana Castro

"Look into my eyes"
Photo by Briana Castro

Common Name: Dutch Rabbit

Scientific Name: Oryctolagus cuniculus

Picture taken at Kapitolyo, Pasig in October 2016

This big fluff of ball with the color of black and white is highly recommended for families as a pet. This type of rabbit does really well with children, and it can also be trained with proper training and supervision because of its natural intelligence.

About Dutch Rabbit

     It is said that the Dutch Rabbit originated in Holland sometime around 1850 or later where it is called the Hollander Rabbit.  It found its way to England in 1864 where it has risen in continued popularity and been exported to points around the world.  The Dutch is one of the oldest breeds of domestic rabbit known, owing its existence, as do all domestic rabbits, to the much earlier domestication of the European wild rabbit, or (true rabbit).  Considered a fancy rabbit due to their distinctive Dutch markings, the Dutch Rabbit, has from its introduction, benefited from the careful attention of breeders over the years who have continue improving the breed and expanding the available varieties while maintaining and perfecting the distinctive markings.  Special attention has been paid to perfecting the general body type of the Dutch breed to the standard of perfection we know today.  Due to the high expectations demanded for perfection in type and markings, the Dutch is one of the greatest challenges for the prospective and experienced breeder alike.

Sources:

http://www.verlannahill.com/AboutDutch.htm

Photo and description by Briana Castro

The Snake Plant

"Don't touch my leaves!"
Photo by Marjo Montero

Common Name: Snake Plant

Scientific Name: Sansevieria trifasciata

Photo taken at Bicentennial Park, Clark, Pampanga in September 2016

This is plant decorates the fields of the Bicentennial Park. It has leaves that developed sharp edges to protect itself from predators.

About Snake Plants

     Sansevieria trifasciata is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae, native to tropical West Africa from Nigeria east to the Congo.

       It is commonly called the snake plant because of the shape of its leaves, or mother-in-law's tongue because of their sharpness. In China, it is known as the tiger's tail orchid. In Japan, it is called tiger's tail . In Turkey it is known as Paşa Kılıcı (pashasword). A yellow-tipped variant is associated with Oya, the female orisha of storms. In Africa, the plant is used as a protective charm against evil or bewitchment. In Nigeria it is commonly linked with Ogoun, the Orisha of war, and is used in rituals to remove the evil eye. In Brazil it is commonly known as espada de São Jorge (sword of Saint George) who by syncretism is also associated with Ogoun.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sansevieria_trifasciata

Photo and description by Marjo Montero

The Ladybug

"We are One"
Photo by Jamie Figueroa

Common Name: Ladybug

Family: Coccinellidae

Picture taken at Redwood villas, Clark, Pampanga in September 2016

Don't let your eyes be deceived! That's not just one ladybug, that's two!

About Ladybugs

     Coccinellids are known as ladybugs in North America, and ladybirds in other areas. Entomologists widely prefer the names ladybird beetles or lady beetles as these insects are not classified as true bugs.

"No, We're Two!"
Photo by Jamie Figueroa

   The majority of coccinellid species are generally considered useful insects, because many species prey on herbivorous homopterans such as aphids or scale insects, which are agricultural pests. Many coccinellids lay their eggs directly in aphid and scale insect colonies in order to ensure their larvae have an immediate food source. However, some species do have unwelcome effects; among these, the most prominent are of the subfamily Epilachninae, which are herbivorous themselves. Usually, epilachnines are only mild agricultural pests, eating the leaves of grain, potatoes, beans, and various other crops, but their numbers can increase explosively in years when their natural enemies, such asparasitoid wasps that attack their eggs, are few. In such situations, they can do major crop damage. They occur in practically all the major crop-producing regions of temperate and tropical countries.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coccinellidae

Photo and description by Jamie Figueroa
Credits to Paulyn Alonzo for the camera used

The China Rose

"If I could plant a flower for every time I miss you, I could walk through my garden forever." Photo by Dan Cinense

Common Name: China Rose/Gumamela

Scientific Name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn

Picture Taken at Redwood Villas, Clark, Pampanga in October 2016

This flower was found blooming in a garden.

About Gumamelas

     Gumamela is cultivated as an ornamental flower throughout the Philippines. It is common on Mt. Banahaw. Gumamela flowers are used as an expectorant in bronchitis, for general coughs, and as a refrigerant drink in fevers.

Sources:

http://www.filipinoherbshealingwonders.filipinovegetarianrecipe.com/gumamela.htm

Photo and description by Dan Cinense

People

"Culturally Diverse"
Photo by Kirsten Mansilungan

Common Name: Human

Scientific Name: Homo sapiens sapiens

Picture taken at the International Assembly of Youth for UNESCO, Cultural Night held in Cebu City in September 2016

A collection of different cultures mirrored in the intricate patterns of their costumes, with each seam giving us an idea of how rich and united their culture is.

This picture was taken after their performances of various cultural dances and traditional songs.

About Humans

     They are characterized by erect posture and bipedal locomotion [standing and walking on two feet]; manual dexterity and increased tool use, compared to other animals; and a general trend toward larger, more complex brains and societies.

     Humans are in the Hominidae family in Linnaean classification. As of now, the population of Homo sapiens is estimated to be around 7.4 billion. Throughout centuries, humans have gone through a lot of history, which shows the advancement of their minds through complex innovations and a very significant progress in technology.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homo_sapiens

Photo and description by Kirsten Mansilungan

The Meadow Muffin

"I like poop..."
Photo by Emilio Capule

Common Name: Meadow Muffin Mushroom

Scientific Name: Psilocybe coprophila

Picture taken at Dasmarinas, Cavite in October 2016

This was found growing on “cow pie” on the sidewalk.

About the Meadow Muffin Mushroom

     The Meadow Muffin Mushroom is considered to be a “dung addict”. This fungus is heavily reliant on dung or poop and is frequently seen to be growing on the latter (eeeeewwww!!!). It contains certain compounds that are used on psychoactive drugs (drugs used to alter brain activity and change the mood and perception of a person). Eating the meadow muffin is said to trigger hallucinations (triggered!!!) although this practice is not widely implemented.

Sources:

http://urbanmushrooms.com/index.php?id=53

Photo and description by Emilio Capule